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ONION
1. Introduction
Onion (Allium cepa L) is extremely important vegetable crop not only for internal consumption but also as highest foreign exchange earner among the fruits and vegetables. It occupies an area of 695.1 thousand ha, with production of 9,248.4 thousand tons. The export of onion during 2006-07 was 1378.3 thousand tons with a value of Rs 1163.0 crores. World scenario India is the 2nd largest producer of onion, in the world next only to China but the productivity of onion in India is very low i.e. 13.3 tons/ ha as compared to China and other countries like U.S.A, Egypt and Turkey. Table 9.1: Showing major onion producing countries of the world COUNTRY AREA ( 000ha) PRODUCTION (000tons) PRODUCTIVITY (tons/ha) 21.1 13.3 51.2 26.8 13.8 14.3 33.7 30.6 19.5 28.1 17.4 18.7 % SHARE OF WORLD PRODUCTION 30.2 14.7 5.3 3.3 2.8 2.8 2.7 2.1 1.8 1.8 32.6
China 901 19,040 India 695 9,248 USA 65 3,346 Turkey 77 2,070 Pakistan 128 1,765 Russian 123 1,759 Federation Iran, Islamic Rep 50 1,685 of Egypt 43 1,302 Brazil 58 1,138 Mexico 40 1,115 Others 1,179 20,500 World 3,359 62,968 Source: Indian Horticulture Database, 2006 Indian scenario
There is a sizeable increase in acreage and production of onion in India.In terms of area,there is an increase from 495.8 thousand ha in 2001-02 to 695.1 thousand ha in 2005-06, while in terms of production it has increased from 5,252.1 to 9,248.4 thousand tons. The details are given below in table 9.2.
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Table 9.2: Showing the area production and productivity of onion in India AREA PRODUCTION (000 ha) (000 tons) 2001-02 495.8 5,252.1 2002-03 424.7 4,209.5 2003-04 553.8 6,267.6 2004-05 613.8 7,760.6 2005-06 695.1 9,248.4 Source: Indian Horticulture Database, 2006 YEAR PRODUCTIVITY (tons/ha) 10.6 9.9 11.3 12.6 13.3
AREA (000ha)
2004-05 2005-06
PRODUCTION (000tons)
2003-04 2004-05 2005-06
PRODUCTIVITY (tons/ha)
2003-04 2004-05 2005-06
Maharashtra Gujarat Bihar Karnataka Andhra Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan Haryana Uttar Pradesh Others Total
121.1 25.0 48.3 132.4 29.0 31.0 33.6 19.9 21.2 92.3 553.8
121.7 58.5 48.8 135.0 35.4 34.7 42.9 17.2 21.2 98.5 613.8
154.0 84.9 49.8 139.0 39.4 40.0 44.5 15.5 21.2 106.8 695.1
1,434.5 717.4 917.9 538.9 435.7 465.0 249.1 294.7 245.8 968.6 6,267.6
1,422.3 1,340.6 975.2 969.7 566.6 520.8 347.9 353.0 245.8 1,018.9 7,760.6
1,878.8 1,876.6 1,011.7 1,008.5 670.0 639.8 427.2 317.7 283.1 1135.0 9,248.4
11.8 28.7 19.0 4.1 15.0 15.0 7.4 14.8 11.6 9.0
11.7 22.9 20.0 7.2 16.0 15.0 8.1 20.5 11.6 10.0
12.2 22.1 20.3 7.3 17.0 16.0 9.6 20.5 13.3 10.0
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The crop is global round in shape, big in size and light red in colour.T.S.S. is 1314 brix and storage quality is good. The crop is flattish round in shape, 2.5-3.5 cm in size and scarlet red in colour.T.S.S. is 16-18 brix and storage quality is good. The crop is 5-6 bulblets clump in shape, 2-2.5 cm in size and brick red in colour.T.S.S. is 9-10 brix and storage quality is good. The crop is flattish round in shape and red in colour.Storage quality is very good.
STATES
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Maharashtra Gujarat Bihar Karnataka Andhra Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan Haryana Uttar Pradesh Fig. - 20 *The above graph shows harvest pattern in leading onion growing states Source: Indian Horticulture Database, 2006
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Table 9.5: Details of arrival pattern of onion in leading states S.No. 1 2. 3. States Maharashtra and Gujarat Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh Rajasthan ,Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana,Punjab,West Bengal and Orissa Cropping season Kharif crop Late Kharif Rabi Early Kharif Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Availability October December January March April June August October November March April November December May - June
Karnataka
Dharwar Bagalkot
Blocks Kalvan,Peint,Igatpuri,Sinnar,Niphad,Yeola,Nandgaon,Sat ara,Furgana,Dindori,Melgaon, Srirampur,Sangamner,Akola,Rahuri,Nevasa,Parner,Pathar di,Srigonda,Karjat Junnar,Ambegaon,Ghod,Rajgurunagar,Wadgaonsirur,Mul shi,Welhe,Purandhar,Bhor,Baramati,Indapur,Daund,Sasw Karmala,Barsi,Madha,Mohol,Mangalwedha,Singole,Mals iras,Pandharpur,Akalkot Hubbali,Kundgol,Navalgund,Yadvad,Kalghatgi,Kargod, Kamdali. Jamkhandi,Mudhol,Hungund,Badami.
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Devengere
Andhra Pradesh
Tamil Nadu
Coimbatore Thiruchirapalli
Gujarat Punjab
Bhavnagar Ludhiana
Harpana,Lalli,Harihar,Vasana,Honnali,Channagiri,Nyama ti,Matti. Emmiganuru, Kappagalu, Alur, Adoni, Atmakpur, Pattikonda, Dhone, Koilkuntla, Banganpalli, Allagadda Kollur,Keshampat,Mughalgidda,Karnul,Wanparti,Atmak ur,Gadwall,Alampur,Kolhapur,Achampet,Kondangol Marpali,Vikarabad,Tandur,Pargi,Ibranimpatan,Shahabad, Doma,Maisaram,Miryan,Nancherla. Sindhora, Babatpur, Phulpur, Cholapur, Mirzaurad, S h Bithur,Maharajpur,Narwal,Sarsaul,Bindhnu,Bhimser Mal, Rahimabad, Bhauli, Itaunja, Mahoma, Nagram, Nigohan, Sisendi, Bijnaur, Utrahthia, Gosainganj, Jugganar, Chanhat, Bani, Alamnagar, Kakori, Bhauli Muttuppalaiyam,Avinashi,Tiruppur,Palladam,Udumallaip pettai,Pollachi,Valparai. Manachanallur,Musili,Thothiyam,Lalgudi,Turayur,Manap prai,Srirangam Botad,Valbhipur,Umrala,Gadhda,Gariadhar,Palitana,Man dir,Ningara Raikot,Samrata,Khannakhamanoi,Paayal,Nurpur,Bhundri
2 Onion shall be of superior quality. They shall be characteristic of the variety and/or commercial type. The bulbs shall be: - firm and compact; - unsprouted (free from externally visible shoots); - properly cleaned; - free from swelling caused by abnormal development; - free of root tufts, however, onions harvested before complete maturity, root tufts are allowed. They shall be free of defects, with the exception of very slight superficial blemishes, provided 97
these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package. Class I Onion shall be of good quality. They shall be characteristics of the variety and/or commercial type. The bulbs shall be: - firm and compact; - unsprouted(free from externally visible shoots); - properly cleaned; - free from swelling caused by abnormal development; - free of root tufts, however, onions harvested before complete maturity, root tufts are allowed. The following slight defects, however, may be allowed, provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package. - a slight defect in shape. - a slight defect in colouring; - light staining which does not affect the last dried skin protecting the flesh, provided it does not cover more than one-fifth of the bulbs surface. - Superficial cracks in and absence of part of the outer skins, provided the flesh is protected. Class II Onions which do not qualify for inclusion in higher grade but satisfy the minimum requirements. They shall be reasonably firm. The following defects, however, may be allowed, provided the onion retain their essential characteristics as regard the quality, the keeping quality and presentation. - defects in shape; - defects in colouring; - early signs of shoot growth visible from outside(not more than 10% by number or weight per unit of presentation); - traces of rubbing; - slight marking caused by parasites or disease; - small healed cracks; - slight bruising, healed, unlikely to impair 98 -do-do-
that grade.
10% by number or weight of onion not satisfying the requirements of the grade, but meeting those of class II grade or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that grade.
10% by number or weight of onion not satisfying the requirements of the grade but meeting the minimum requirements.
keeping qualities; - root tufts; - stains which do not affect the last dried skin protecting the flesh provided they do not cover more than half the bulbs surface; - Cracks in the outer skins and the absence of a part of the outer skins from not more than onethird of the bulbs surface, provided the flesh is not damaged. PROVISION CONCERNING SIZE Size is determined by the maximum diameter of the equatorial section, in accordance with the following table: Table 9.9: Provision concerning size Size code A B C Diameter (in mm.) 10-20 21-40 41-70 Difference between the diameter of the smallest and the largest onion in the same package (in mm.) 5 15 20
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Table 9.11: Size of Onion required by different countries S.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Country Size(mm)
Middle East and Gulf(Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, Muscat, 40 60 Bahrain, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait) Malaysia, Singapore, Port Kelang & African Ports Sri Lanka Bangladesh, Pakistan & Nepal Europe Japan 25 30 25 30 25 30 60 70 60 70
Source: MSAMB, Pune (b) For domestic markets For domestic markets, onions are packed in gunny bags.
January February March April May June July August September October
Cities
Fig. 21 *The above graph showing the price ( in Rs./Qtl.) of onion in major cities 100
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Quantity in tons
Years
Fig. - 22 C. Export potential Maximum exports of onions were to SAARC countries, followed by ASEAN and GCC countries. An account of export potential is given below in detail region wise: (i) ASEAN countries ASEAN countries imported 7, 83,035 tons during 2006 compared to 439,154 tons in 2003 and thus there is an increase of 78% in demand for onions in these years. Maximum imports of onions during 2006 was noticed from Malaysia (4,70,552 tons), followed by Indonesia (99,690 tons), Philippines (75,865 tons), Vietnam (48,411 tons), Singapore (43,887 tons) and Thailand (41,144 tons).Indian exports of onions during 2006-07 was also maximum to Malaysia (3,19,857 tons). Philippines imported 32,894 tons of onions from India, whereas Singapore imported 22,960 tons and Indonesia merely 1203 tons. The restricted export of onions to Indonesia and Philippines perhaps is because of high import duties on import of onions in their country. China is competing with India and is supplying onion at a cheaper rate under APTA to Indonesia and Thailand. Possibly with the implementation of Free Trade Agreements with Singapore and other countries, export of onions will further increase to ASEAN countries. Moreover, India is supplying onion at most competitive prices. It is expected that onion export may at least enhance to 500,000 to 600,000 tons in next 4-5 years time. (ii) GCC countries GCC countries imported 606,866 tons of onions during 2006.There was 134% increase in demand for onions over the year 2003. Major importers are UAE (254413 tons) and Saudi Arabia (233992 tons). Imports from other countries in GCC were nominal. About 50% of the demand for onions was met by India, as India exported 292919 tons of onions to GCC countries. Maximum export of onions was to UAE (235912 tons) followed by Bahrain (26154 tons). India has not been able to penetrate Saudi Arabian markets, as India 102
exported only 7690 tons, whereas Saudi Arabia imported up to 233992 tons of onions. India must meet the requirements of Saudi Arabia in near future so that a boost to onion exports can be given. India will have to compete with Egypt and supply onions at competitive prices. It is expected that in next 4-5 years, 500,000 to 600,000 tons of onions can be exported to GCC countries. (iii) European Union European Union imported onions up to 1,776,544 tons during 2006. Largest importers were UK (316723 tons), Germany (276587 tons), Belgium (152427 tons), France (105659 tons) and Netherlands (103357 tons). Onions from India have just started penetrating EU. During 2005-06, 7180 tons were imported by Greece and during 2006-07, 4540 tons of onions were exported to EU. During 2006-07 mainly onion was exported to Greece (1345 tons), Spain (1071 tons), Netherlands (666 tons), UK (598 tons), Germany (325 tons) and Italy (308 tons). The distribution of Indian onions to major countries in EU shows that acceptability of Indian onions is increasing. Further enhancement in exports of onions to EU is a great possibility if India supplies yellow onions with less pungency, along with thick and fleshy layers. A suitable variety Arad H has already been identified and export of this needs to be explored in concerted manner. D. Measures for enhancing competitiveness for exporting onion Following steps must be taken up on priority for enhancing competitiveness for exporting onions: Domestic production needs to be enhanced (by adoption of high yielding varieties and modern agricultural practices) with consistency, so that export of onions can be made on regular basis. Because, exporting on regular basis helps in increasing volumes and farmers also get remunerative prices. Contract farming needs to be adopted for export purposes. Expansion of area under onion in early kharif, kharif and late kharif needs to be taken up so that quality onions are available for export on regular basis. Farmers need to be supported (in addition to existing support) for developing storage facilities, for enhancing storage period. Ventilated storage godowns at shipyards need to be constructed for enhancing export of quality onions. For enhancing competitiveness for export, India must improve the quality of onions and also take up branding of the product.
13. Storage
Temperature Relative Humidity Storage period : : : Fresh 0o C 65-70% 3-5 months
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*Price of onion varies according to variety, month of procurement (b) Charges for treatment, packing, transport, etc.(below in table): Table 9.14: Charges for treatment, packing, transport, etc. Particulars Nylon Bag (Capacity: 20Kg) Rs. 8/- per bag Cost of loading & unloading Cost of pallets Local transportation Container Transportation(JNPT - Vashi - JNPT) Terminal Handling Charges Total Source: MSAMB, Maharashtra 40 container (25000 kg) 8100 5000 2500 17000 7000 14885 54485 or Rs. 2.17/kg
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(c) Sea freight charges*: Freight rates for reefer container are as follows: Reefer containers (Rates in US dollars) 20 40 (i) Dubai/Doha 1100 1600 (ii) Kuala Lampur/Singapore 600 900 (iii)UK/Amsterdam 1700 2700 Freight rates for ordinary container are as follows: Ordinary containers (Rates in US dollars) 20 40 (i) Dubai/Doha 600 900 (ii) Kuala Lampur/Singapore 100 175 (iii)Flaxo (UK)/Amsterdam 900 1450 * It varies from year to year /season to season, capacity of container and distance covered.
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